President Ersin Tatar has expressed the view that changing the name of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to the Turkish State of Cyprus would be an important initiative.

Speaking on a television programme as part of his contacts in Türkiye, President Ersin Tatar highlighted the significance of changing the name ‘northern’ to demonstrate that there is now a Turkish state in Cyprus.

“If we could unite as one in our country, the world’s perspective on Cyprus would change,” Tatar said.

As part of his contacts in the Turkish capital on Wednesday, President Ersin Tatar visited Hacettepe University’s Faculty of Medicine, the Turkish Aerospace Industries company, and the Union of Turkish World Engineers and Architects.

During his visit to the Union of Turkish World Engineers and Architects, President Tatar said that a two-state solution was of great importance for the security of the Turkish Cypriot people and Türkiye.

Speaking to Bengü Türk television in Ankara, Tatar expressed his view that changing the name of the TRNC to the Turkish State of Cyprus would be an important initiative.

This of course he added would require the amendment of the current TRNC constitution.

“Removing the ‘northern’ part would be important in demonstrating that there has always been a Turkish state in Cyprus,” Tatar said, pointing out that the TRNC had become a Turkish state, strengthened with the full support of the Republic of Türkiye.

“If we could unite as one in our country, the world’s perspective on Cyprus would change,” he said, complaining that the opposition was against the current two-state policy and was advocating a federal settlement in Cyprus.

After completing his meetings in Ankara, President Tatar departed for Giresun for more contacts.